LANDSCAPE SOIL & ROCK
Subheading: A wide variety of textures, colors, and sizes to make any landscape look fantastic.
Decorative Landscaping Rocks & Pebbles
Decorative landscaping rocks, stones, and pebbles arrive in varied textures, colors, and sizes ideal for garden enhancement. ContractorLOADS supplies both basic and premium decorative pebbles across Southern California for drought-tolerant landscaping.
Popular options: River rock, gold, white, multi-color, del rio, and Mexican beach pebble varieties, plus polished smooth Mexican pebble and decorative gravel options.
Common sizing: 3/4 - 1 inch preferred; 3/8 inch and 1.5 inch alternatives available for various design requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
(This page carries the site-wide FAQ set. Page-specific answers below.)
Sand & Gravel
When would I use sand vs gravel in building stuff?
Sand's great for masonry work, like with cement, or for leveling things out. Gravel, on the other hand, is a champ for driveways, helping with drainage, or serving as the foundation for roads.
Do I need washed or unwashed sand for my project?
Washed sand suits cement mixing; unwashed works for leveling and filling.
How heavy is a big pile of sand or gravel?
A cubic yard of this stuff usually weighs somewhere between 1.25 to 1.5 tons.
Any tips for figuring out how much material I need?
1 cubic yard can roughly cover about 100 square feet if you spread it 2-3 inches deep.
How quickly can I get a truck delivery?
You're usually looking at about a day or two, with same-day options available when arranged.
Does ContractorLOADS deliver on weekends, holidays and nights?
Saturday deliveries available with advance arrangement and service charge. Night delivery for construction projects possible with advance coordination. Closed major holidays.
What are the main differences between sand and gravel?
Sand particles are typically smaller and come from pulverized rock or minerals. Gravel consists of larger particles, often rounded, and is commonly used for driveways and drainage.
What are the primary uses of sand in construction?
Concrete mixing, masonry, plastering, paver bases, and landscaping leveling.
How can I determine the right type of gravel for my project?
Class 2 road base for driveways; pea gravel or river rock for decorative purposes. Expert consultation recommended.
How do I prevent weeds from growing through my gravel path or driveway?
Before laying gravel, it's advisable to place a weed barrier or landscaping fabric.
Can sand be used for pet areas, like a sandbox or a cat litter area?
Play sand suits sandboxes and pet areas when chemical-free and uncontaminated.
What is the difference between "washed sand vs unwashed screened dry sand"?
Washed sand (screened at 5/32" or 3/16") removes silt and clay impurities, ideal for concrete. Coarser washed sand provides drainage; finer washed sand suits covered horse arenas.
How can I ensure my gravel driveway remains even over time?
Regular raking and adding new layers maintains evenness. Road base alternative offers superior durability through dust-free, high-compaction qualities.
How often should I replenish or top up my gravel areas?
Depending on the traffic and wear and tare, a gravel area might need replenishing every 1-2 years.
I'm planning a garden pathway. Would sand or gravel be better?
Both work depending on desired aesthetics and functionality. Gravel provides firmness and drainage; sand offers softness.
How do I calculate the amount of sand or gravel needed for my project?
1 cubic yard can cover 100 square feet to a depth of 2-3 inches. To calculate, divide your area (in square feet) by 100.
How much does a cubic yard of sand or gravel weigh?
Typically, a cubic yard of sand and gravel weighs between 1.25 to 1.5 tons, or 2,500 to 3,000 pounds.
What's the difference between pea gravel and decomposed granite?
Pea gravel consists of small, rounded stones, often used for decorative purposes. Decomposed granite is a granular material resulting from granite weathering.
Do you recommend a specific gravel size for drainage solutions?
Slightly larger gravels, often between 3/4", 1" inch and 1.5" inch, are ideal for drainage efficiency.
Contractors need high quality sand and gravel materials that meet specs?
ContractorLOADS ensures materials meet applicable standards. Testing includes Aggregate Gradation, Specific Gravity and Absorption, Los Angeles Abrasion Test, Soundness Test, California Bearing Ratio, Unconfined Compressive Strength, Sieve Analysis, Particle Shape and Surface Texture, Flakiness and Elongation Index, Sulfate Soundness Test, and Alkali-Silica Reactivity testing per ASTM standards and Greenbook specifications.
Homeowners
I'm new to home improvement. How do I know which material is right for my project?
Decomposed granite suits pathways; gravel appropriate for driveways. Professional landscaper consultation recommended.
How can I calculate the amount of material I need for my project?
Divide area in square feet by 100 for cubic yards needed at 2-3 inch depth.
Using the formula, how many cubic yards would I need for a 500 sq. ft. area?
For a 2-3 inch depth, you'd need approximately 5 cubic yards. (500 sq. ft. ÷ 100 = 5 cubic yards).
Can I mix different materials, like sand and decomposed granite, for my project?
Yes, mixing provides functional and aesthetic benefits when expert-approved for compatibility.
Is there any prep work I need to do on the site before the material is spread?
Clear debris, ensure levelness, and consider weed barrier or fabric beneath material.
How long will the materials last? Do I need to replenish them periodically?
Longevity depends on use. Gravel driveways require occasional replenishment; decomposed granite pathways last years with proper maintenance.
Do the colors of materials like decomposed granite or gravel fade over time?
Natural materials might experience slight fading over time due to weather and wear. Sealing or using a stabilizer can help retain the color.
How do I maintain the appearance and function of the materials once laid?
Regularly removing debris, occasional raking or leveling for even distribution, and replenishing material as needed.
Can these materials be laid in areas with heavy foot or vehicle traffic?
Absolutely. Some materials, like compacted gravel, are designed to withstand heavy traffic.
Are these materials pet-friendly?
Most of our natural materials, like sand and gravel, are pet-friendly, with initial pet monitoring recommended.
Do you deliver small quantities suitable for homeowner projects, or is there a minimum order?
Generally, we have a 1 ton or 1 cubic yard minimum for small orders.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel at any time before the material is loaded and shipped from the plant or quarry to your job site. Once on the road, delivered, and unloaded, the material cannot be returned.
Can I look at the sand & gravel material before I purchase it?
Pictures, material test lab reports, and small samples (for orders over 100 cubic yards) available; shipping charges may apply.
Cobbles, Rip Rap & Boulders
How big do these cobbles and boulders get?
We've got all sizes, from cobbles to massive boulders. We offer from 6 inch all the way up to 24 inch and 36 inch in smooth, natural, and sometimes angular/crushed forms. Most popular: 6-18 inch range.
Is your cobbles and rip rap appropriate for different types of public and private construction job applications?
Yes our materials are tested regularly and meet all required standards for constitution use such as hardness, specific gravity, and other test needed and required by appropriate government agencies.
Baseball Infield Mix / Red Clay
What makes your baseball infield mix special?
We've dialed in the perfect blend of sand for drainage, clay for that nice binding effect, and silt for a buttery-smooth play surface.
Would this infield mix work for major league fields?
Our mix suits all baseball fields in schools, little leagues, colleges, and minor and major leagues.
What's the ideal composition for a baseball infield mix?
Balance of sand (drainage), clay (binding), and silt (smooth surface).
How deep should the red clay/infield mix be laid on a baseball field?
Generally, 3-4 inches is common for most baseball infields.
How often should the baseball infield mix be replenished or replaced?
Annual checking recommended with replenishment/replacement as needed based on usage and weather.
What are the maintenance requirements for red clay?
Regular dragging to maintain a level surface, adequate moisture management to reduce dust, and occasional rolling for compaction are key practices.
Decomposed Granite (DG)
What's the best way to use decomposed granite in my garden?
Decomposed granite shines when used for pathways, driveways, and patios. It has a natural feel that can really elevate your outdoor space.
Which is better for landscaping, decomposed granite or crushed rock?
Decomposed granite provides rustic feel; crushed rock offers structured, edgy aesthetic. Choice depends on preference and application.
Any chance you've got different varieties of decomposed granite and crushed rock?
Mixed sizes and colors available to match project vision.
What are the color options available for decomposed granite?
We offer decomposed granite (DG), which typically comes in a variety of natural hues, including gold, tan, brown, grey, and rose, with tan as most affordable option.